Control system for postage printing machines



y 1944- c. D. RYAN ETAL CONTROL SYSTEM FOR POSTAGE PRINTING MACHINES 9Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 1, 19.41

5 D Ryan a/ce R 5 mm Y m wwm v? 0 m w gw d M a y 4 c. D. RYAN ETAL2,352,802

CONTROL SYSTEM FOR POSTAGE PRINTING MACHINES Filed Oct. 1,' 1941 9Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS Commodoreflfiyan' BYEdwmd 1? Dra/ce 1 .July 4,1944. c. D. RYAN ETAL CONTROL SYSTEM FOR POSTAGE PRINTING MACHINES 9Shets-Sheet 4 Filed Oct. 1, 1941 I INVENTORS CommodoreDRy 80 BY d fd BDrake v fil u n July 4, 1944. c. D. RYANETAL I CONTROL SYSTEM FORPOSTAGE PRINTING MACHINES 9 Sheets- Sheet e Filed Oct. 1, '1941.

v INVENTORS C .nmodoreD-R July 4, 1944. c. D. RYAN ET'AL CONTROL SYSTEMFOR POSTAGE PRINTING MACHINES Filed Oct. 1, 1941 9 Sheets-Sheet 7,lllllff y 4, 1944. c. D. RYAN ET AL 2,352,802

CONTROL SYSTEM FOR POSTAGE PRINTING MACHINES Fil ed Oct. 1, 1941 9Sheets-Sheet 8 INVENTORS Commodore 11- Ryan.

,1 ATTOR July 4, 1944- c. D. RYAN ET AL CONTROL SYSTEM FOR POSTAGEPRINTING MACHINES Filed Oct. 1, 1941 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 I'IIIIIIIIIIII/IIIIIII ATTOZNEYS 6 2 m N D E R md w w a @w c B PatentedJuly 4, 1944 CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ros'rAe jrn N7rf.,

Commodore D.

INGMACHINE S Ryan and Edward P. Drake,"Lo's Angeles, Calif., assiguorstoNational Postal" MeterCompany, Inc., Rochester, N. Y., a cor-= notationof Delaware v Application October '1, 1941, Serial No"."41 8 ,12;1"

-7 Claims. c1. 101-2350..

This invention has to do with automatic machines for printing postage,and more particularly to automatic machines adaptable to print postageeither on letters and the like, or on tape.

An object of the invention is to provide a simple, reliable, andrelatively foolproof control system for a power-operated printingmachine adapted to print either on envelopes or on continuous tape,whereby the machine can be readily adjustable for either kind of work.

Another object is to provide a power-operated printing machine forprinting postage on continuous tape, in which the power is provided byan' electric motor which drives the printing mechanism through aclutch," with acontrol system for readily adapting 'the machine eitherfor operation with the motor running continuously, or for operation inwhich the motor starts and stops for each printing operation.

Another object is to provide a machine for printing postage on eitherenvelopes or tape, and having an ejecting means 'for use with envelopesbut not with tape, in which the control means for converting the machinefrom condition for printing on envelopes to condition for printing ontape, automatically moves the envelope-ejecting means out of the way.

Another object'of the invention is to facilitate the adjustment of apostage meter on a postage printing machine.

Othermore specific objects and featuresof the invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description to follow of one particularembodi ment thereof p g A postage printing machine of the type to whichthis invention relates comprises a rotatable printing head, incorporatedin a postage meter, and a cooperating rotatable platen, both of whichare adapted to be rotated by a suitable motor when postage is to beprinted. Such a machine includes a hopper and a conveyer system fordelivering envelopes one at a time to the'printing' head and platen, andalso incorporates a tape mechanism, which is inactive when the machineis conditioned for stamping envelopes, but which can be swung intooperative relationwith the platen and printing headwhen it is desired toprint postage on tape, for attachment to objects that cannot be runthrough the machine. The machine is operated by an electric motor, whichruns continuously and continuously drives the envelope conveyor systemwhen the machine is conditioned for stamping envelopes. The printinghead'and platen are operated jfrom the motor through a clutch, which,when tripped,

actuates 'the printing headahd. platen through one cycle andthenfiisconnectsthem. l l'en'c effor each printing *oper'at on; theclutch-must be tripped. This'- tripping is accomplished, when 1printing'on envelope'sgby a trigger placed inthe path of the envelopesas they approach the print ing head. when the machine'is conditioned forprinting on tape; the clutch is engaged 'b manual depression ofa pushbutton for each printing operation. When it "is desired to onlyoccasionally'print a stamp on'tape,"it' is desirable to a'ut'omatic'allystart and stop 'the' electric motor for each stamping'operation. 'On'theother hand, when a large number of stamps are to be printed on tape," itis desirabletoleave-the motor running continu'ously,"an"d merelyengageand disengage the clutch for each operation;

Among other things, the present invention has to do'with the'c'ontrolsfor adapting the machine for either envelope or tape operation, and forconditioning it for tape operation either with the motorrurmingmcontinuously"or-with the motor running -intermittentlyrWe'provide two' control handles for performing these functions, inaddition t0-the letter-trigger and the push-button,previouslyomentioned. Oneofthe control handles is a shifting-armfor'converti-ng-the machine ;from-envelope to tape. operation, -or viceversa, and has.- a filetter" position and a :tape position. Whenmovedintof-letterl position, the shifting arm shifts, the: tapemechanism but. of the way and.disables a,first energizing circuit-forthe electric'motor. The othercontrol is a start, ing handle movablebetween an ofi and .an on position, in the first-oi, which .it opens,and in ,the second oflwhich it, closes, a second enersizin .circut.forthe-m qr. The fi t nergizine circuit is only partially completed bymoving the Shifliihg arm into ftapeif position. This. circuit includes asecond, switch,yvlriclr must. also be closed to complete the I circuit,which. second switch is actuated in response, to engagement, of theclutch by thepush button. Therefore, with the starting'handle of?possess d the shift lever in ftape position, the "motor starts andstopsfor each stampingoperation initiated by depression or 'thpilshbutton. l lloweyer, 'the motor can be operated continuousl for tap'eoperation :by throwing'jtliejshittingarm into tapej position, anda1-so"throwing the: starting handle into position," the startingliaiidle closinglthe second errergizmgtircuit ror the motor, and theshifting armdisabling' the 'envelopeconveyer sys tem, which runscontinuously wh'enthe' machine is"adjustedfor-' st'ampingenve'lopes.

In postage printing machines of this type, the postage meter isrelatively heavy. Furthermore, it is neceszary to shift the meterupwardly to carry the printing head thereon clear of the rest of themechanism to perform certain adjusting operations on the meter. Inaccordance with the present invention, we make it easier to shift themeter into adjusting position by providing a swinging bracket thatpivotally supports the meter for swinging movement into an elevatedposition, in which the meter lies against a rest; the hinge line of thebracket is so positioned, by a special construction thereof, as toinsure that the meter will be in a position of stable equilibrium whenlying against said rest.

the section being taken just back of the main clutch;

Fig. 16 is an enlarged detail view of a portion of the apparatus shownin Fig. 15, with the machine in a different phase of operation than thatshown in Fig. 15;

Fig. 17 is a detail, horizontal section taken substantially in the planeXVII-XVII of Fig. 16;

Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram of the electrical circuit of the machine;and,

Fig. 19 is an enlarged perspective view of a bracket for supporting themeter.

In order to shift the meter into the elevated,

inspection position, it must be unlocked from the rest of the machine,and this unlocking operation is performed by swinging a lever. Inaccordance with the present invention, we simplify the generalconstruction of the machine, and facilitate its operation, byincorporating the meter rest on a swinging bracket that also supports anejector mechanism for use with envelopes. By this arrangement, themoving of the meter-locking lever to unlock the meter automaticallyswings the meter rest and envelope ejector assembly fromenvelope-ejecting position to meter-supporting position.

Referring to the drawings Fig. l is a plan view of a complete postageprinting machine incor oratin the present invention. in condition forprinting postage on envelopes;

Fig. 2 is a plan view showing a portion of the machine with the postagemeter tilted into ad usting position;

Fig. 3 is a vertical section looking from'front to rearof the machine,the section being taken approximately along the line III-III of Fig. 1,and certain details being omitted;

Fig. 4 isa skeleton view in the end of a section. taken approximatelyalong the line IV-IV of Fig. 11;

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 3. with certain arts eliminated, andwith the machine adjusted to rint on tape. instead of on envelopes:

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 4. but with the machine adjusted fortape operation:

Fig. '7 is a view similar to Fig. 5. but showing the meter tilted intoadjusting position;

Fig. 8 is a detail, plan view of a portion of he machine, with certainparts omitted, showin details of the bracket supporting the pressureroller of the machine;

Fig. 9 is a detail, vertical section of the bracket supporting thepostage meter for tilting movement; I

Fi 10 is a view similar to Fig. 9, but showin the bracket in tiltedposition;

Fi 11 is a horizontal section through the entire machine. the plane ofthe section being taken between the bottom wall of the meter and the bedon which it rests;

Fig. 12 is a longitudinal section of the machine taken substantiallyalong the line 2311-- of Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a detail elevation of the swinging bracket shown in plan inFig. 8, the elevation being taken looking from right to left in Fig. 8:

Fi 14 is a section looking from back to front of the tape chute, andcertain control mechanism associated therewith;

Fi 15 is a section looking from back to front,

The following is a description of certain features of the postageprinting machine shown in Figure 1, namely the control system in themachine for adjusting the machine or for printing postage on'envelopesor tape. Other aspects of this machine are particularly described incertain copending applications, as follows:

Commodore D. Ryan and Edward P. Drake, Serial No. 399,324,. filed June23, 1941, which is directed to the envelope trip and the mechanismcontrolled thereby.

Commodore D. Ryan, Serial No. 388,770, filed April 16, 1941, which isdirected to apparatus for the handling of envelopes and the like.

Commodore D. Ryan, Serial No. 363,257, filed October 29, 194.0, which isdirected to mechanism which feeds envelopes and thelike one at a timeinto the mail treating machine for treatment thereof.

Commodore D. Ryan and Edward P. Drake, Serial No. 413,120, filed Octoberl, 1941, which is directed primarily to the conveyor system of the mailtreating machine.

Commodore D. Ryan and Edward P. Drake, Serial No. 413,122, filed October1, 1941, which is directed to the envelope guiding, and a part of theenvelope feeding. mechanism ofthe mail treating machine.

GENERAL CONSTRUCTION The postage printing machine in which the presentinventions are incorporated, includes as important elements a hopper I(Fig. 3) for containing a stack of objects to be stamped, such asenvelopes; a stripper and conveying mechanism 2 for removing envelopesfrom the hopper I, one at a time, and moving them toward a printingmechanism, and the printing mechanism, which includes a printing head 4positioned above the path of travel of the envelopes, and a cooperatingplaten 5 positioned below the printing head.

The exact construction of the hopper and stripping mechanisms is of nointerest in connection with the present invention, and will not bedescribed further. It is only necessary to understand that the envelopesare removed one at a time from the hopper and delivered to conveyerbelts 6, which frictionally engage the surface of each envelope and passit along a table I. As each envelope is projected along the table I, itis engaged by an additional conveyer belt 8 (Figs. 1 and 2), whichcarries it between the printing head 4 and the platen 5 (Fig. 3).Whereas the conveyer belts 6 and 8 operate continuously, the printinghead 4 and the platen 5 are normally stationary, but are startedautomatically in response to delivery of an envelope thereto, arerotated through one revolution to print a stamp on the envelope, and arethen stopped pending the delivery of another envelope thereto. As eachenvelope is discharged from between the printing head 4 and the platen5, it passes o e an ejector roll 9, which ejects itfrom the ma chine.

The entire mechanism is :driven from asingle electric motor 69 (Fig.12). :The manner in which the conveyers are driven from the motor willbe described later. The drive from the motor 69 to: the printing headand platen will now be traced.

"The motor 69 has a pulley 10, coupled by a belt 1| to a pulley 12 on ashaft'13, which shaft carries a smaller pulley 14 (Fig. 11), coupled bya belt 15 to a large pulley 16, secured to a sleeve 11, rotatablymounted on a shaft 18, journaled in the frame members of the machine;The sleeve 11 is coaxial with and is connected to a ratchet wheel 19 ofa clutch 21. The ratchet wheel'19 constitutes the driving member of theclutch 21, and the driven member thereof includes a disc 8|, which discis connected by a sleeve 82 and a flexible connection 83 to a gear 84,which is secured to the shaft 18. previously mentioned. This shaft 18 isadapted to be connected at its forward end by a coupling 85 to thecoupling vof'a postage meter 86 (Fig. 12), in which the printing head isincorporated.

'I'he'gear 84 meshes with a gear 81 of the same size on a shaft 88,which shaft is connected, by a shaft 89 and suitable universalcouplings, with a shaft 90, which carries the platen 5, so that theprinting head 4 and the platen rotate at the same speed in oppositedirections, when the clutch 21 is engaged. A complete disclosure of thepostage meter cor responding to the meter 86 may be found in thecopending application of Sager et al., Serial No. 332,305, filed April29, 1940, on Mail treating machine. At present it is sufiicient to anunderstanding of the present invention to know that the printing head 4is directly rotated with the coupling '85.

The details of the clutch 21 do not constitute a part of the presentinvention, but are disclosed in detail in an application. of CommodoreD. Ryan, SerialNo. 377,413 filed February 5, 1941, on Power-operatedprinting machines, which application also describes .the exactconstruction of the flexible coupling 83. 1

It is sufficient for an understanding of the present invention to knowthat the clutch 21 (Fig. includes an arm 28 normally engaged by a latch29, under which condition the clutch is disengaged, and the printinghead and platen are held stationary in a neutral position. When thelatch 29 is rocked out of engagement with the arm '28, the clutchengages automatically, to connect the printing head and platen to themotor for one revolution, at the end. of which the latch 29 againengages the arm 28, disengaging the clutch and holding the driven member8| stationary. I j

It was previously mentionedthat the printing head and platen werestarted automatically in response to delivery of an envelope thereto.This action is efiected by means of a trigger l0 (Fig. 3), in the pathof envelopes moving over the table 1, and a mechanism actuated bydeflection of the trigger In to engage the clutch 21, substantially asdisclosed in our application noted above, SerialNo. 399,324. w i,

Thus the trigger l0 projects upwardly from a horizontal. shaft l2,which' extends rearwardly through a supporting journal |3 supported onaslide I301. supported on'the wall I 6 (Fig. 11) of the machine. Securedto the rear-end=-rof-'tthe triggershaft I2 is a bellcrank -36;(Fig; :16)having member-1 68 limits counterclockwise on one arm a pin 3| andhaving in the other arin a hole '32. A tension spring 33 hooks'inthe'hole 32. and Y urges the bellcrank .30 counterclockwise I (as viewedfrom the front-of the machine) into a neutral position, in which thetrigger H) is substantialls' vertical. With the trigger assembly inbellcrank 39 (Fig. 16), one arm of which is pivotally connected by'apivot 4|) to the right end of a link. A tension'spring 42, connectedbetweenthe other-arm'of the bellcrank 39 and the link, tendsto lift thelatter at all times. Rocking-of the trigger ID, by an envelope,=car-=ries thevpin 3|:d0wn against the arm 36, rocking= thelatter downward.and rocking the" shaft 31' clockwise,-with reference to Fig. 16, therebyshifting the link to the'ileft. Under normal conditions, upward movementof the link 4|, in response to the tension of the spring 42, is limitedby contactof a follower 93 (Fig. 16), on the link, with a cam 92, sothat'a shoulder 4|a on the left end'of the link 4| engages one arm 44 ofa bellcrank lever 45 sup ported by a bolt 46 on a wall 47 (Fig. 15) of astationary bracket 59. The bellcrank 45 is urged counterclockwise (Fig.16), by a light torsion spring 48, which. normally holds the arm 44against a'stop "ear 49 turned out from the wall 41. In 'Fig. 16, the arm44 hasbeen carried away from the stop ear 49,by the link 4 I, but'the'arm 44 is shown in its neutral position in Fig. 15. The upperarm 50 ofthe bellcrank 45 co:

} operates with a roller 52 (Fig.- 16) on the lower end of anarm 53 0f athree-'arm-lever 54, another arm'of which constitutes the clutch latch29,- previously mentioned. The lever' 54 'is fulcrumed on a shaft 56,supported at its opposite ends in the side walls 41' and 58 (Fig. 12) ofthe vertically "extending, channel-shaped bracket 41, which in turn issupported from the main frame of the machine. a In addition to the arms29 and 53 (Fig. '15) the three-arm lever 54 has a'third' arm 65, whichextends substantially horizontally and is urged downwardly by a tensionspririg66, connected between the end of the arm and a bent-out portion61 ofthe. stationary bracket 41. "A stop rocking movement 'of the lever54 to an angle'only'sufficient to disengage thelatch 29 from the clutcharm 28.--

In Fig-l6, the arm 50 of the bellcrank 45 is shown displaced upwardlyout of the path of the-roller 52, but normally the end 5| of the arm 50lies in the path of the roller 52 and pre-' Vents the lever from beingrocked by the spring 66 (Fig-15) to disengage'the latch 29. However, themovement of link 4| to the left, in response to movement of an envelopeagainstthe letter trigger, as previously described; rocks theIbellcrank45 clockwise into the position shown in Fig. 16, in. which the arm 50 isabove the path of the roller-52, whereupon the spring 66 rocks the lever54 to disengage the latch 29. Thereupon, the clutch 2'! is engaged todrive the printing head and platen through a cycle of operation; Thelatch 29 is returned, to re-engage the clutch arm 28 atthe end of onerevolution, by'a' mechanism'power driven through the clutch 2'! itself,and including the cam 92, previously men tioned, and a cam 9|, both ofwhich are secured to the shaft 88. Itwillberecalled that this shaft 98(Fig. 12) is driven through the clutch 21 by the gears 84 and 81, anddrives .the platen. It rotates in counterclockwise direction withreference to Figs. 15 and 16.

The cam 92 (Fig. 16) cooperateswith the follower 93 on the link 4|, andthe cam 9| cooperates with a follower roller 94 on the arm 53 of thethree-arm lever 54.

It will be observed from'Fig. 16 that, immediately after the latch 29has been tripped to engage the clutch, a rise on the cam 92 begins tobear against the follower 93, and continued movement carries the leftend of the link 4| downwardly, clear of the lower arm 44 of thebellcrank 45. Thereafter, the link 4| is ineffective to preventcounterclockwise return'of the bellcrank 45 by the torsion spring 48,but such return is prevented by the fact that the roller 52 is blockingdownward movement of the arm 59. Continued rotation of the shaft 88carries the high part of the cam 9| against the roller 94, which swingsthe lever 54 back into normal position, against the force of the spring69 (Fig. 15). During this return movement of lever 54, the cam 92 (Fig.16) maintains the link 4| in lower position, clear of the arm 44, sothat as soon as the restoring movement of the lever 54 carries theroller 52 out from under the arm 59, the bellcrank 45 is rocked by itsspring 48 back into the position shown in Fig. 15. In this position, theend of the arm 59 lies against the roller 52 and blocks return movementof the lever 54. In response to final rotation of the shaft 88 back intothe normal position of Fig. 15, the cam 92 releases the follower 93(Fig. 16). The spring 42 constantly urges the link 4| upwardly, and ifthe letter trigger has been restored to normal position, then the leftend of the link 4| will be clear of the arm 44, and the link will moveinto the normal position shown in Fig. 15. If the letter trigger has notbeen restored to normal position at the time the cam 92 is restored toits normal position, then the link 4| will come to rest against thelower end of the arm 44 until such time as the letter trigger isrestored, whereupon the link 4| will be retracted to the right until itsleft end slips past the lower end of the arm 44 under the force exertedby the spring 42.

It will be observed from the foregoing description that the movement ofthe three-arm lever 54 into clutch-disengaging position is effeoted bythe spring 96, and that the only work that has to be performed by theenvelope acting against the trigger arm I9 is that necessary to lift thearm 59 clear of the roller 52 (Fig. 16). The energy required to performthis operation is very slight, because the movement of the arm 59 issubstantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the roller52. Furthermore, the corner of the arm 59 contacts the roller 52 verynear the dead center lin between the fulcrum 46 and the center of theroller 52, so that following a very slight initial movement of the arm59 the force of the spring 66 becomes effective to help in theupward'movement of the arm 59.

The spring 66 can be made as heavy as neocessary to insure prompt andpositive disengagement of the latch 29, because the power for resettingthe lever 54 and tensioning the spring 66 is derived from the motorthrough the cam 9|. Of course the power necessary to reset the link 4|is also supplied from the motor through the cam 92.

During operation on envelopes, as described,

the tape mechanism is retracted so as not to interfere with the passageof envelopes from the table I (Fig. 3) to the printing head 4 and platen5. The tape mechanism includes as itschief elements a tape chute I99pivotally supported on a shaft |9l for swinging movement from a lower,or retracted, position, shown in Fig. into an upper, active position asshown in Fig. 5. In the latter position it guidingly supports a tap I92for movement between the printing headand platen, the feeding of tapebeing effected by the rotation of the printing head and platen. The tapeis drawn from a roll I93, positioned in a tape magazine I94. Furtherknowledge of the details of the tape mechanism is not necessary to anunderstanding of the present invention, but reference is made to thecopending application of Ryan and Drake, Serial No. 377,418, filed February 5, 1941, on Power-operated printing machine, for a completedisclosure of the tape mechanism.

MEorIANIsM FOR SELECTIVELY CONDITIONING THE MACHINE FOR LETTER OR TAPEOPERATION The machine is selectively conditioned for letter or tapeoperation by moving a shift arm 9 (Figs. 11 and 12), located on thefront wall III of the machine, approximately below the printing head.l'his shift arm 9 is secured to a shift shaft II2, whichextendsrearwardly the full length of the machine, and is journaled invarious transverse walls of the machine, as clearly shown in Fig. 1 Ithas secured to it four crankarms H3, H4, H5, and H6 which operate aplurality of controls next to be described.

Shifting tape chute The crankarm I I3 shifts the tape chute. When theshift arm is in extreme clockwise position, the

machine is adjusted for letter operation. Under this condition, thecrank ||3 (Fig. 3) retracts the tape chute I99 into lower inactiveposition through a link Ill. the shift arm H9 and the shift shaft 2 arerocked counterclockwise, the crankarm I I3 is elevated, as shown in Fig.5, causing the link III to move the tape chute I99 into its upper,operative position. Counterclockwise movement of the shaft I I2 islimited by engagement of a stop pin 8 on the end of the crank 3 againstthe link Ill. When the chute is in upper, operative position, thepivotal connection ||9 between the link Ill and the crank H3 is slightlypast the dead-center line between the shaft 2 and the upper link pivotI29, so that the weight of the tape chute tends to retain the shiftshaft in counterclockwise position.

v Shifting pressure roller The crank 4 (Fig. 12) actuates a link |2| focontrolling a pressure roller I22 (Fig. 3) 'associated with the ejectorroll 9. This pressure roller I22 is used when stamping envelopes, but itis not used with tape, and would be in the way when printing on tape.Hence it is mounted for swinging movement, and is released for movementinto inoperative position by the link I2I, in a manner next to beexplained.

The pressure roller I22 is supported on a shaft I23 which is in turnrotatably supported by an arm I24, which arm is in turn pivotallysupported on a bracket I25. The arm I24 consists of a plate having anupturned end I26 for guiding envelopes to'the roller I22. 4 The platehas ears I21 (only one of which appears in the sectional On the otherhand, when view of Fig. 3), supporting the shaft I 23; and ears I28engaging a shaft I 29, which shaft is also engaged by downturned ears onthe bracket I25. A torsion spring I30 wrapped around the shaft I29 urgesthe arm I24 clockwise to press the pressure roll I22 against the ejectorroll 9.

Referring now to Fig. 1, the bracket I25 comprises a front horizontalportion 'I3I, the rear edge of which is connected by a downwardlysloping portion I32 to a rear, flat. portion'l33, which rests upon ashelf I34 (Fig. 6) supported on the frame of the machine. The portionI33 (Fig. 11) of the bracket I25 is pivotally held against the shelf I34by a screw I36 for swinging movement between the position shown in Fig.11, into a position at right angles thereto, as illustrated in Fig.5.

The swinging bracket I 25 is constantly'urged counterclockwise about itspivot screw'I36'1(Fig. 8) by a tension spring I3! which isstretched-between a pin I38, extending from theunderside of the bracketI25, and an ear I39 on a bracket I40, which is anchored to the frame ofthe machine. Bracket I40, incidentally, functions as a support for theshelf I34, on which the bracket I25 is pivotally supported by the screwI36. {The pin I38 extends downwardly through an arcuate slot MI in theshelf I34, and the-ends of the slot constitute stops limiting theswinging ofthe bracket I25 to substantiallyQO. 1

During letter operation, the bracket I is retained in clockwisepositionyagainst the force exerted by the tension spring I 37, by ashoul-. der I42 on an offset'ear I43 on'the, forward end of a lever I44(Fig. l3),'which' lever is fulcrumed for vertical movementon the bracketI by a rivet I45. The forward endof the lever I44 is urged upwardly by atension spring I46stretched between therear portion of thelever I44 andan ear I 41 positioned therebelow.

When the shift shaft II2 (Fig. 12) is rocked counterclockwise to shiftthe machine into tape condition, the lower end of the link I2I is liftedand swung to the" right (Fig. 4). The link I2I extends upwardly and tothe right, and the outer end thereof is bent substantially horizontallyand extended through a vertical slot in :the bracket I40, which slot ispositioned below :the rear end of the lever'l44, as shownin Fig. 13. AstopfI48 (Fig. 4) 0n the link limits outward movement of the latterthroughthe vertical slot in the bracket I40, and a cotter pin I49 (Fig.13), limits inward movement of the link: I2 I: through the slot.: Sincethe outer end of=the link I2I is preventedfrom moving outwardly throughthe slot, it must move upwardly therealong in response to:the rocking ofthe crank I44 counterclockwise from the posi-.- tion shown in Fig.4, tothe positionshown in Fig. 6, and during this upward movement it engagesthe lever I 44 and rocks the rear .end of thelat ter upwardly, and theforward end. of itdownwardly, to carry the shoulder I42 below the levelof the bracket. I25 (Fig; 13). This releases. the bracket and permitsthe sprin JI31 to:swing.1it from the letter position shown in Figs. 3;and 4,- into the tape position shown in Figs; 5 and 6;

The bracket I25 must be restored to: ,letterf. position .manually,. and:if, "prior. to such .manual restoration, the shift shaftIIZ: has beenmoved into letter? position, the bracket will be retained in letterposition by theshoulder I42.

r It. has previously been. indicated that the ,conveyer belts-6 and'8'(Fig.1) operate .Icontinuously 4, the arms I64 and whenever the electricmotor is running, during letter operation. The details of the conveyermechanism constitute a separate invention fully disclosed in ourabove-noted co-pending application, Serial No. 413,120, filed Oct. 1,1941, on Mail treating machine. It is sufficient for an understanding ofthe present invention to know that the conveyer belts 6 and 8 are driventhrough two shafts I50 (Fig. 1 2) and I5I, respectively. The shaft I50(Fig. 11) is coupled at its rear end .to the shaft I3, on which thepulleys I2 and I4 are rotatably mounted. There is also secured to theshaft 13 for rotation therewith, a gear I52 which meshes with a gear I53positioned therebelow and keyed to a shaft I54 (Fig. 12), which shaft iscoupled at its forward end to the rear end of the shaft I5I; therefore,the shafts I 50 and I5I operate in unison to drive the conveyer belts '6and 8, whenever the shaft I3 is rotated. Shaft I3 is adapted to bedriven through a clutch I55 (Fig. 11) from a pulley I56 looselyjournaled on shaft I3 and driven by a belt I51 from a pulley I58 securedto the pulley 16, which, as previously described, is permanently coupledto the electric motor through the belt I5, pulleys I4 and I2, and thebelt II.

The clutch I55 may be of the type described in our above-noted copendingapplication, Serial No. 399,324, and its specific construction is of nointerest in connection with the present invention. Sufiice it to saythat the clutch includes a driven member I59 (Fig. 4) secured to theshaft I3, and a clutch arm I60 which is rockable through a limited anglefrom a position in advance of a shoul der I6I on the disc I59, as shownin Fig. 4', into a position flush with the shoulder I6I. When the clutcharm I60 is in advance of the shoulder I6I, the clutch is engaged, andthe disc I59 rotates to drive theconveyer belts. This is the conditionfor letter operation.

When the shift shaft H2 is rocked counterclockwise to adapt the machinefor tape operation, the crank II5 (Fig, 12) raises a link I62 connectedthereto, which link extends at its upper end through a slot providedtherefor in an ear I63 (Fig. 4) of an arm I'64, and through a hole in anear I65 of an arm I66. Both arms are freely, pivotally supported on astationary shaft I61. The arm I64 has an ear I68 adapted to cooperatewith the clutch arm I60 and the shoulder I6I, and the arm I66 has ashoulder I69 adapted to cooperate with a stop pin I70 on the clutch discI59. However, when the machine is conditioned for letter operation, withthe crank H5 in lower position, as shown in Fig. I66 are held clear ofthe clutch members by stop nuts III, screwed onto the upper end of thelink I62 and bearing against the ear I65 on arm I66. The arm I54 isyieldably held in a predetermined position with respect to the arm I66by helical compression springs I12 and I13, on the link I62. Spring H2is compressed between the ears I65 and I63 on the two arms, and springI13 is compressed between the ear I63 and a stop I14 onthe link I62.

When the shift shaft H2 is rocked counterclockwise to adapt the machinefor tape operation, as shown in Fig. 6, the link I62 i's elevated,carrying the ear I68 against the rim of the clutch disc I59, and whenthe rotation of the disc carries the clutch'arm ISILagainst the ear I68,the clutch arm is carried back flush with the shoulder I6I on the disc,thereby disengaging the clutch and stopping the disc I59. As theshoulder I6I moves against the ear I68, the pin I18 slips past thecorner I15-at the upper end of the shoulder I69, depressing the arm I66against the force of the spring I12 as it does so. As soon as the pinclears the corner I15, the arm I86 -is-moved up into the position shownin Fig. 6, in-which the shoulder I'69 lies against the pin :10 andprevents any reverse movement of the disc-I59. The latter is thereafterheld in stationary'condition until it is again released by downwardmovement of the arm i64 in response to clockwise rotation of the shiftshaft H2 to condition the machine for letter operation.

OPERATION 'ro PRINT ON TAPE The mechanisms have'been described wherebymovement of the shifting arm, from letter to tape position elevates thetape chute into active position, releases the pressure roll on theletter-ejecting roller for 'movement out of the way for tape operation,and disconnects the letter conveyer belts from the motor. Thereafter,the machine can be actuated to print postage on tape by manuallydepressing a push button I16 (Fig. 1), which is positioned closelyadjacent the point of discharge of the printed tape, the path of thetape being immediately above the ejector roller 9 (which is nowstationary).

Depression of the push button i'itperforms two functions: (1) It engagesthe main clutch 21 to initiate a printing cycle; (2 it closes a switchto'start the motor 68, which switch is automatically opened at thecompletion of the cycle. Itis apparent,'therefore, that it is notnecessary to have the motor operating continuously when printing postageon tape. However, it is desirable to operate'the motor continuously whena considerable number of stamps are to be printed on tape, and provisionis made for such operation, when desired.

The mechanisms actuated under control of the push button I16 will firstbe briefly outlined with reference to the circuit diagram of Fig. 18,from which it will be observed that the electric motor 69 is adapted tobe supplied with current over either of two circuits. Thus one terminalof the motor is permanently connected to one side I11 of an energizingcircuit connected'to a plug 118, adapted to be plugged into a standardlight socket. The other terminal of the motor 88 is adapted to beconnected to the other side :19 of the line, either directly througha'switch I88, or through a pair of switches IilI and I82 connected inseries. The switch I80 is adapted to be manually closed or opened byrocking a starting handle I83 (Fig. 11), mounted on the front wall. ofthe machine to the left of the shift arm I I8. This switch I80 isemployed, during letter operation, as the sole means for starting andstopping the motor 69. It will be recalled that during letter operationthe motor runs continuously, and the clutch is tripped mechanically toactuate the printing head in response to movement of the trigger I (Fig.3) byenvelopes.

The switch I82 is actuated by the shift shaft H2, and is always openwhen the shift shaft is in letter.position, and is always closed whenthe shift shaft is in tape position. Thus this switch I82 is positionednear the rear end of the shift shaft II2, as shown in Fig; 12, and is ofthe toggle type (Fig. 15) having an arm I84 which is in upper position(as shown in Fig. 15), when the switch is open, and is in a'lowerposition when the switch is closed. This arm I84 has a forked endadapted to be engaged by a crank ass ss;

pin- I projecting from a hub I86,-secur ed to the shaft II2. When theshaft H2 is rocked into letter position, the pin I85 moves upwardly, andmoves the switch arm I84 upwardly to open the switch, whereas when theshaft II2 is rocked into tape position, the pin I85 moves downwardlypast the arm I64 and carries it into lower position, in which the switchis c1osed.-

It will be apparent from the foregoing description that when the machineis adjusted for letter operation, the switch I82 is always open, and themotor is started and stopped by manual con trol of the switch I80.However, when the machine is adjusted for tape operation, the switch I82is always closed so that the motor can be started and stopped bymanipulation of the mercury switch I8I (Fig. 18), and this switchis-actuated in response to depression of the push button I16 in a mannerlater to be described. However, the switch I80 can, when it is sodesired, be closed. during tape operation to cause the motor 69 to runcontinuously. I

When the machine is adjusted for tape Qperation, depression of the pushbutton I16 closes (in a manner to be described later) a switch I81,which completes an energizing circuit from the conductors I11 and I19 toa solenoid I88. The solenoid I88 trips the clutch 21 and simultaneouslycloses the mercury switch I8I.

The switch I81 and the mechanism for operating it in response tooperation of the push button I16, will now be described with referenceto Figs. 5 and 14. As shown in Fig. 5, thepush button I16 is mounted onthe end of a plunger I96, supported in a guide bracket I91, and normallymaintained in outer positionby a compression spring I98 surrounding theplunger.

Referring now to Fig. 14, the inner end ofthe plunger I96 bears againstthe upper end of an arm I99 ably supported on a shaft I89 in the framethat supports the platen 5. The arm I99 isurged counterclockwise againstthe plunger .I96. by a light tension spring 20I, and has a shoulder 202which, when the arm I99 is rocked clockwise by depression of the plungerI96, may engage an ear 203 on an arm I90, .pivotally supported by apivot I9I on an arm I92, which is freely rotatable on the sleeve 200.The arm I92 has a lobe I93 lying against a leaf spring element I94 ofthe switch I81, the latter having a pin I95 underlying the leaf springI94 which moves the pin and closes the switch, when depressed. -It willbe .ap-

parent that continued movement ofstheplunger I96 after the shoulder 202on arm I99 has con tacted the ear 203 on thearm I90,.will:rock'thelatter andthe armI92, clockwise, to depress the leaf spring I94 and theswitch .pinv I95, thereby closing theswitch I81 to energizethe;.so1em)id I88 (as shown in Fig. 18) which, in turn; engages theclutch. and closes the switch I-8I,'to' start the printing head andplaten On a. printing cycle. a

To prevent the machine from..operating through more than one cycle inrespo'nseto a single depression of the starting plunger :196; the armI99 is provided with an ear243,.which co.- operates with arecessed'disc204', which :is securedto the platen shaft90,-'for.rotation'with theplaten 5. .When the machine'isrirrfneutral'position (Fig. 14), the ear .243-is ju'xtaposed'to a recess 245 in the.peripheryof the'disc .204, which permits suificient clockwise movementof the arm I99 to close the switch in the manner already described.However, as the platenrotates (in counterclockwise direction. withreferencezto secured to a sleeve 200 which is rotat- Fig. 14), therising portion of the disc bears against the ear 243 andcams the armI99.outwardly a sufiicient distance to open the switch I81, but notsufiiciently to disengage the shoulder 202 from the ear 203.Furthermore, at substantially the time when a concentric portion 248 ofthe disc 204 reaches the ear 243, a lug 205 on the disc 204 engages theupper end of the arm I90 and rocks it clockwise about its pivot I9I, tocarry the ear 203 out from below the shoulder 202, so that, after thelug 205 has passed the arm I90 and the latter has been restored by atension spring 201, the ear 203 lies against the end 208 of the shoulder202, instead of therebelow. This permits the arm I92 to be restored intoits full, open-switch position by a tension spring 209. With the switchI81 open (Fig. 18) the solenoid I88 is de-energized, and the machinecannot be started at the end of the cycle, even though the operatormaintains a continuous pressure on the starting button. However, if theoperator releases the starting button, thereby permitting the arm I99 tobe rocked back into its normal position by its spring I, the end 208 ofthe shoulder 202 is carried clear of the ear 203 on the arm I90,permitting the latter to be restored into normal position by its spring201, so that the next time the starting button is depressed, theshoulder 202 on arm I99 will engage the car 203 and close the switchI81, exactly, as previously described.

In order to render the push button inoperative when the machine isconditioned for 'letter operation, the arm I99 is provided witha tail2I0 (Fig. 14) which, when the tape chute is moved into lower position,is engaged by a pin 2 on the tape chute, the pin 2 swinging in an areabout a shaft 2 I 2 on which the tape chute is pivotally supported forits swinging movement between active and inactive positions. When thetape chute is moved into inactive position, it swings clockwise withrespect to Fig. 14, and it will be obvious that this movement will carrythe pin 2| I into position to intercept the tail 2I0 and preventdownward movement thereof, thereby limiting movement of the arm I99,andthe push button plunger I96, to values insufllcient to actuate theswitch I81.

The solenoid I88 (Fig. 18) is mounted on one of the transverse'wallmembers '2I3 (Fig. 11) of the machine, adjacent to and in front of theclutch 21. Referring to Fig. 16, it comprises a coil 2I4 having aplunger 2I5, adapted to be drawn downwardly into the coil when, thelatter is energized. The upper end of plunger 2I5 (Fig. 17) is ofreduced dimensions and extends through a hole in a guide bracket 2I8(Fig. 16) so that the latter functionsasa stop to limit upward movementof the plunger. A light compression spring 2I1 surrounds the reduced,upper portion of the plunger and is compressed between the bracket 2I6and a stop nut 2I8 on the upper end of the plunger, to normally retainthe latter in upper position. A'pin 2I9 projects from the plunger 2I5through a vertical slot 220 in a downwardly projecting portion of thebracket 2H3, the slot functioning as a guide for the pin to prevent it,and the plunger, from rotating.

The pin 2I9 overlies anarm 22I which extends. between the plunger 2I5and the downwardly extending portion of the bracket 2I6 (Fig. 17). Thisarm 22I isan extension of a yoke 222 which is rigidlyconnected to theshaft, 31, (Fig. 1,5)1 an 0 ebell rank-ia whi hactuates the link 4|,previously described. Thusit has beenpreviously explained how rocking ofthe letter trig-. ger I0 (Fig.3) rocks the shaft31 (Fig. 15) and thebellcrank 39.. Such rocking movement also rocks the arm .22I (Fig. 16),since there is nothing torestrain the latter from moving downwardly awayfrom the pin H9. The pin simply provides; an additional means forrocking the arm HI and the bellcrank 39 during tape operation to engagethe clutch 21. Since the operation of engaging the clutch in response torocking movement of, the bellcrank 39 has been previously described indetail, it need not be repeated. Referring again to Fig. 18, themechanism for closing the switch I81, and the mechanism whereby theclutch is engaged in response to the energization .of the solenoid I88,have been described. There remains to be described the manner in whichthe mercury switch I8I is closed inzresponse to energization of thesolenoid I 88 duringtape. operation.

, The mounting of the mercury switch I8I is shown in- Fig. 15. ,Thus.the bulb of the'switch is secured to a plate 223 which is pivotallysupported bya screw 224for oscillatory movement. Fig. 15 shows the.plate 223.rocked into closed. position, in which-a pool of mercury 225is in contactwith :a pair of electrodes 226, thereby. completing anelectric circuit between the electrodes. As shown in Fig. 15, the plate223 is held in clockwise position, in which the switch is closed,because the view is takenwith the shift shaft H2 in letter. position, inwhich an ear 221 onthe extended end of the .crankarm H5 bears againstand rocks anarm 228 counterclockwise. The arm 228 has an ear 229 on theupper end thereof that engages an arm 230 on the plate 223 and looks itagainst a stop member 23I.

However, when the machine is adjusted for tape operation, the ear 221 isout of contact with the arm 228, and the plate 223 is normallymaintained in a counterclockwise position by a tension spring 232, inwhich position a lobe 233 on the plate 223 bears against an ear 234 onthe arm 53 of the three-arm clutch lever 54. In this position of theplate 223, the switch I8I is open.

When the three-arm lever 54 is tripped (in response to depression of thepush button), the car 234 rocks the switch plate 223 into the clockwiseposition-shown in Fig. 15, thereby closing the switch I8 I and startingthe motor.

As has been previously outlined, the three-arm lever 54 ispower-restored by the cam 9| during the printing cycle. Therefore, if nomeans were provided to preventit, the spring 232 would open the'switchI8I and stop the motor'in mid-cycle. The means for, preventingsuchpremature opening of the switch I8I includes a roller 235.0n an arm2380f the plate 223. When the machine is adjusted for tape operation,and is in neutral position, the roller 235 lies in a'recess 231 in thedisc 238 on the platen shaft 88.

The initial rocking of the plate 223 byithe ear 234 carries the roller235v out of the recess 231. Before the cam 9I has rotated a sufficientdistance to restore the clutch control lever 54, the concentric portionof the disc 238 intercepts the roller 235, and holds the switch I8I inclosed position until the end of the cycle, at which time the recess 231reaches theroller 235, permitting the switch to be .restoredto openposition by .the spring 232...; l

Support for the postage meter, when tilted In accordance with thepresent invention, the bracket I25 (Figs. 3 and 8) performs a dualfunction. It has previously been described how this bracket supports thepressure roll I22 in positicn to cooperate with the ejector roll 9during letter operation, and how the bracket is automatically releasedto swing through 90 (Fig. to carry the pressure roll I22 clear of theelector roll 9 during tape operation. The bracket I25 performstheadditional function of acting as a support for the postage meter 86 whenthe latter is moved into an adjusting position, as shown in Fig. 7. Thusit will be observed that in Fig. '7 the meter is tilted, and restsagainst the inclined portion I32, which portion is preferably padded toavoid marring the surface of the meter.

The meter is locked in position during operation, and must be unlockedbefore it can be tilted, as shown in Fig. 7. The locking and unlockingoperations are performed by swinging a locking lever 239, and, inaccordance with the present invention, we provide a connection betweenthe latch lever I45 (Fig. 8) and the locking lever 239, so that movementof the latter into position to unlock the meter automatically rocks thelever I44, to carry the shoulder I42 thereon downwardly out of the pathof the bracket I25 and permit the latter to be rocked by the tensionspring I31 into the position shown in Figs. 7 and 8.

7 Thus referring to Fig. 11, the locking lever 23!! actuates a crank 240which shifts a link 25 fore and aft and the link actuates a lever 2 12iulcrumed at 244 below the bed plate 241 on which the meter rests. Themeter has lockpins 248 which extend into elongated, tapered opening 249in the bed plate, and when the meter is in locked position, the pins 248are in the small ends of the openings 249, as shown in Fig. 11. Themeter is held in this position by engagement of the arm 242 against apin 250 on the meter. Before the meter can be tilted, the arm 242 mustbe swung away from the pin 250 by rocking the handle 239. This rocks theouter end of the arm 242 toward the front of the machine, and carries anextension 250 on the arm under the sloping rear end of the lever I'M tolift the latter and thereby drop the shoulder M2 clear of the bracketI25.

The meter is hingedly supported for swinging movement into the tiltedposition shown in Fig. '7, by a sheet metal bracket 25I, in the lowerrighthand corner of which the meter rests. As shown to best advantage inFig. 19, this bracket consists of a straight plate 252 adapted to engagethe side wall of the meter, a pair of ears 253 adaptedto extend underthe meter, and a pair of bent lugs 254 having reduced end portions 255adapted to extend through openings 256 (Fig. 9) provided therefor in thebed plateon which the meter is supported. Shoulders 251 are provided onthe lugs 254 (Fig. 19) at the junction of the large and reducedportions, and are wider than the holes 256 (Fig. 10) so that theweightof the meter is transferred from these shoulders to the bed platewhen the meter is in the tilted position.

It will be observed that the hinge axis defined by the line of contactof the shoulders 251 of the'lugs 254 with the bed plate is offset fromthe lower right-hand corner of the meter. This offset is purposelyprovided as it results in raising of the lower right-hand corner of themeter above the bed plate when the meter is shifted into tilted position(Fig. '7) and shifts the center of gravity so that the meter moves overdead center slightly before it comes to rest against the-inclinedportion I32 of the bracket I25.

When meter 86 is in the tilted position shown in Fig. '7 it is in acondition of substantially stable equilibrium. However, a shock or jarexerted on the meter to the left, as viewed in this figure, wouldreadily tilt it from its stable position, causing the meter to fallagainst the table on which it is supported when attached to-the mailtreating machine, and such a fall might well damage the meter or themachine, or might injure the operator of the machine. Accordingly toprevent such an occurrence, we provide a supporting arm 390, pivoted asat 30 I' to the machine, and having at its other end a felt-linedshoulder 362 which may be swung to the position shown to prevent themeter inadvertently tipping over. Preferably we provide stop pins 303and 364, the former of which limits the downward movement of arm 30!! sothat'the-arm may not fall out of position, and the latter of whichprevents counterclockwise swinging'of the arm into an inaccessibleposition (see also Fig.5).-

Although for the purpose of explaining the invention Specificembodiments thereof have been described in substantial detail, it is tobe understood that various-changes may be made in the particularconstructions shown without departing from the invention, which is to belimited only as set forth in the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A machine of the type described, for selectively printing either onseparate objects fed thereto, or on tape, comprising: a printingmechanism, means for feeding objects thereto, means for driving saidprinting mechanism, a tape mechanism for conducting tape to saidprinting mechanism, said tape mechanism being movable into and out ofoperative relation with respect to said printin mechanism, ejector meansasso'- ciated with said printing mechanism for discharging said separateobjects from the machine after they have been printed, guide means forguiding said objects against said ejector means, means supporting saidguide means for movement between a first position in operative relationwith respect to said ejector means, and a second position clear of saidejector means to facilitate'discharge of tape from said printingmechanism, a

manually operated shifting means for shifting j said tape mechanism intoand out of operative relation with said printing means, and meansresponsive to movement of said shifting means for moving said guidemeans out of operative relation with said ejector roller when said tapemechanism is shifted into operative position. 2. Apparatus asdescribedin claim 1,,including spring means for constantly urging saidguide means into inoperative position, latch means for retaining saidguide means in operative position;

and means responsive to movement of said shifting means for releasingsaid latch.

3. In a postage printing machine, a base member including a platen, apostage meter having a printing head and adapted to be locked on saidbase member with its printing head in operative relation with saidplaten, locking means movable between a lock position in which it lockssaid meter in operative position on said base, and a release position inwhich it releases said meter for separation from said base, auxiliarymetersupporting means for supporting said meter for swinging movementupwardly and laterally with respect to said base, a rest for engagingsaid meter and restricting said swinging movement thereof, meanssupporting said rest for swinging movement between a first position inwhich it is adapted to support said meter, into a second position out ofsupporting relation with said meter, and means responsive to movement ofsaid locking means into position to release said meter for swinging saidrest into position to support said meter.

4. In a postage printing machine, a base member, a postage meter adaptedto be supported on said base member and having a bottom surface shapedto fit against said base member when the meter is in normal operatingposition, means for supporting said meter in tilted position above saidbase member includin an angle bracket engageable with one bottom cornerof said meter,

means pivotally supporting said bracket for swinging movement about anaxis parallel to but horizontally offset away from said corner of themeter when the latter is engaged by said bracket, and stop means forlimiting upward and lateral swinging movement of said meter about saidaxis.

5. In a postage printing machine, a base member, a postage meter adaptedto be supported on said base member and having a bottom surface shapedto fit against said base member when the member is in its normaloperating position, means for suppflrting said meter in tilted positionwith respect to said base member including an angle bracket engageablewith one bottom corner of said meter, means pivotally supporting saidbracket for swinging movement about an axis parallel to one corner ofsaid meter and to the plane of said base member, and stop means forlimiting upward and lateral swinging movement of said meter about saidaxis.

6. In a postage printing machine, a base member, a postage meter adaptedto be supported on said base member and having a bottom surface shapedto fit against said base member when the member is in its normaloperating position, means for supporting said meter in tilted positionwith respect to said base member including an angle bracket engageablewith one bottom corner of said meter, means pivotally supporting saidbracket for swingin movement about an axis parallel to one corner ofsaid meter and to the plane of said base member, stop means for limitingupward and lateral swinging movement of said meter about said axis, saidmeter adapted to be locked on said base member in operative position,locking means movable between lock and release positions in which itrespectively locks and releases said meter with respect to said base,and means operable in response to movement of said locking means to itsrelease position for moving said stop means into a position to stopswinging movement of said meter about said axis.

7. Apparatus according to claiIn 5 in which an arm is pivotally relatedto said base member and is movable into a position to support said meteragainst downward lateral swinging movement about said axis from itstilted position to its normal operating position.

COMMODORE D. RYAN. EDWARD P. DRAKE.

